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Stalked: Olya Stelmakhova, Founder & Designer OSTEL

25 August 2015

One of the ways I look for emerging designer is through the wonderful world of Instagram.. this is where a lot of young designers and brands are promoting themselves and even selling collection through instead of wholesale. Recently I stumbled across Ostel, a Ukrainian designer who starting her brand 3 years. In 2014 Olga presented her SS15 collection ‘Surf your life’ in Paris, and during Fashion Week Middle East in Dubai and Ukrainian Fashion
Week. I loved her unique styling and designs so she was a must stalk for Style StreetStalker!!

Why did you decide to
get into fashion?

I like to design everything, if I wasn't fashion designer maybe I could be
furniture designer)

At first I liked to design clothes for my self and my friends, then I started
to sell it via my on-line shop. I decided that fashion business is easy but now
I understand it is not) My first serious fashion step was on Fashion Scout at
Mercedes-Benz Kiev Fashion Days. It was exiting moment.

I am not big fashion fan, I just transfer my inspirations, my thoughts into
clothes. The main my principle is to create unique differ staff, not mass
market.

What is your latest
collection about?

Fall Winter 15/16 Collection 'Venus' I created under the influence of Ukraine
difficult situation. The heroine lives in the post apocalyptic world, she has a
fighting mood. Collection combines grunge, military and classic style. She is
rebel in a totalitarian country.

Therefore, I looking out, offering to pay attention and to support social
project Venus of famous American scientist Jacques Fresco. The Venus Project -
a new world civilization without war, politicians, hunger and money. It's a
perfect world for self-development of humanity and wise use of Earth's
resources.

If you could live in
another city where would it be and why?

I want to visit a lot of countries like Iceland, Norway, Japan, but city for
living- only my Kiev, Ukraine I think) Why? Because of people which I love.

What inspires you?

My inspirations are different) In my first collection 'Read me' SS13 -
inspiration were books because of I visited library club at that time. In the
collection FW 14/15 'FAIS' - inspiration was 'future as I see', robots, Earth.
In the collection SS15 'Surf' - inspiration was Surf, because of Surf it is my
dream)

Who are your favourite
designers?

Yohji Yamamoto, Céline Vipiana brand Celine

What has been you best
moment since starting up your brand?

Best moments for me when I make sketches and find textile for new collection,
after - routine work that I should to do)

Best moments are all my catwalk shows, best moments - all world-wide orders of
my works, participation in Paris showroom Benext, participation in Fashion Week
Middle East Dubai, Ukrainian Fashion Week, best moments - all activities with
Not Just A Label platform.

Five items you can't
live without?

Without belief in God, without people which I love, without my work, sport,
books, music, coffee)